FOR Malaysian superbike rider Zulfahmi Khairuddin, it felt like yesterday that he was talking to former MotoGP champion Nicky Hayden, who died on Monday.

Hayden passed away from a serious polytrauma at an Italian hospital, five days after being struck by a car while bicycling along the Rimini coast, as part of his training.

Zulfahmi remembered the American ace giving him advice on how to avoid getting arm pump, or chronic exertional compartment syndrome (CECS).

“I still can’t believe he’s gone because it seems like just yesterday we were in deep conversation about riding.”

The 25-year-old Malaysian suffered from arm pump last month which saw him record a DNF at the race in Assen, Netherlands. He later sought advice from fellow World Superbike rider, Hayden.

“I spoke to him (Hayden) about arm pump and he gave me advice on how to avoid it,” said Zulfahmi.

Zulfahmi recalled good memories of him with Hayden back in 2014 when they rode together in Putrajaya for the MotoGP pre-event.

“I’ve known him since then and we grew closer,” he said, adding that Hayden was a really nice guy and is loved by many Malaysian fans for his unique style, which fans can also easily emulate thanks to the many Nicky Hayden helmet replicas available.